Hello everyone. I'm not sure if this is the correct thread for my question.

This is for tax year 2000 - 17 years ago. My fiance was incarcerated from 2001 to 2004 in California. He did file his taxes for 2000 and suppose to receive a federal refund in the amount of $2601 and state refund in the amount of $386. He totally forgot about it until he was clearing up his paperwork and saw the copy of his tax return. He asked his parents if they receive anything in the mail and told him they didn't received anything. He wanted to know if he can write to IRS and ask what happen to the refund - if it was mailed, cashed or etc? Will he be able to still receive that refund or not? Will he be able to ask the State of California - Franchise Tax Board about the refund too? He was in and out of prison from 2006 to 2011. He's been doing very well and working with his father on their business. He filed all his tax returns for 2012 - 2016.

We tried calling the IRS but the hold time is ridiculous - 1 to 2 hours. Any suggestions is appreciated. Thank you guys in advance.

This is for tax year 2000 - 17 years ago. My fiance was incarcerated from 2001 to 2004 in California. He did file his taxes for 2000 and suppose to receive a federal refund in the amount of $2601 and state refund in the amount of $386. He totally forgot about it until he was clearing up his paperwork and saw the copy of his tax return. He asked his parents if they receive anything in the mail and told him they didn't received anything. He wanted to know if he can write to IRS and ask what happen to the refund - if it was mailed, cashed or etc? ======>Although the IRS ?Where?s My Refund? tool is available to check the progress of your return, it only applies to the tax return you filed for the most current tax yearThere are a few times where you may run into a situation where you need to provide a copy of your prior year tax return. You could be applying for a home mortgage loan and need proof of income or maybe you misplaced it and would just sleep better at night knowing you have a copy in your filing cabinet. Either way, in most circumstances, a paper transcript of this information will do. Before venturing to the IRS website, be sure to have the following information ready:
? social security numberdate of birthstreet address currently on file with the IRSzip code currently on file with the IRStype of transcript neededtax year
If you still aren?t sure what happened with your refund, contact an IRS representative at IRS Tax Help Line for Individuals - 1-800-829-1040 (TTY/TDD 1-800-829-4059).Refund checks are mailed to your last known address. Checks are returned to the IRS if you move without notifying the IRS or the U.S. Postal Service.

Will he be able to still receive that refund or not? =======>Negative; Congress created IRC Section 6511 to set limits on when a taxpayer can pursue the government for overpaid taxes. A claim for credit or refund of an overpayment of income tax must be filed by a taxpayer: Within 3 years from the time the return was filed; or Within 2 years from the time the tax was paid, whichever of these periods expires later

Will he be able to ask the State of California - Franchise Tax Board about the refund too? He was in and out of prison from 2006 to 2011. He's been doing very well and working with his father on their business. He filed all his tax returns for 2012 - 2016.=====>he may also try to contact the BOE of CA

We tried calling the IRS but the hold time is ridiculous - 1 to 2 hours. =======>Agreed I do not blame you; Given its limited resources, the IRS said that in 2014 it will stop preparing tax returns for people who need help, such as those who are elderly or disabled. The agency also plans to answer only "basic" tax law questions, and only during the normal filing season through April 15. Instead, it will direct people to the website and other automated sources of information